Reviews

Driving Impression

“”

The ride is plush, while being well controlled. Not much bobbing on bumpy roads. The cabin is especially quiet thanks to tight Volvo construction, and active noise cancellation.

The available air suspension should make the ride even better, by keeping the car more level, though we have not experienced it.

If you plan to tow with an S90, the towing capacity is 3,700 pounds for the T5 and 4,600 with a T6. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a sleek Volvo sedan towing a boat. Maybe in Maine. Europeans routinely use sedans as tow vehicles, though.

The S90 is closer to being a sports sedan than it is a tow truck. And even though comfort is the focus, the performance is satisfying in just about any driving conditions.

Acceleration to 60 mph takes 6.5 seconds in a T5, or 5.7 with a T6. A shift gate lets the driver change gears manually. Throttle response is quicker with the T6, courtesy of its supercharger.

Three mode settings are available. Road feedback is minimal if Comfort mode is chosen, while Dynamic mode transmits a numb sensation. Individualization mode lets you specify the settings that please you most. The system can even program a preferred brake-boost level.

With its wide spread of gear ratios, the 8-speed automatic helps make the S90 feel quite perky at low speed. At highway speeds, it promises an efficiently relaxed experience.

Walk Around

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

“”

The S90 is gracefully designed and distinctly Scandinavian. It’s said to be inspired by Volvo’s P1800 two-seat sports car of the 1960s. Resemblance to the latest XC90 is unmistakable, because it is deliberate.

Viewed in profile, the S90 suggests a rear-wheel-drive, swept-back sports sedan; but it has front-wheel drive (or all-wheel drive) instead. Front and rear ends are bluntly upright, led by a particularly bright grille. Front wheels are pushed well forward, suggesting an athletic nature. Up front, the hood is long and almost level. The roofline reaches smoothly back into the decklid. Add distinctive headlights and clean uncluttered surfaces, and the S90 is readily recognizable as a Volvo, even if its big grille-mounted badge isn’t visible.

Interior Overview

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

“”

The interior design is Scandinavian and the ambiance welcoming. For 2018 there are new details throughout the cabin, complemented by electric rear and side shades. The available rear seat massage and wide center armrest provide comfort and style. There’s a sense of spaciousness, again mimicking the XC90 crossover.

The dashboard is clean and elegant, with subtle contours, with wood and metal panels. Textured dials, resembling Swedish crystal, adjust the vents. A twist of the Start knob fires up the engine, while Sensus Touch infotainment dispenses with knobs and buttons.

Speaking of cabin detail, Volvo brought orthopedists in on the design of the S90 seats, wonderfully supportive. The high window line gives the driver a feeling of upright-ness.

The rear seats are well-contoured and -cushioned, again excellent support, although headroom has its limits. And it’s not so easy to climb into and out of the back. The rear seatbacks fold forward, and there’s a pass-through to the trunk, which holds 17.7 cubic feet, including an underfloor compartment.

Summary

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

“”

The S90 T5 is the traditional Volvo sedan. The new T8 plug-in hybrid is the environmentally friendly choice. In the T6, we love the idea of an engine that’s both turbocharged and supercharged.